Ouch, that could damage England's chances a lot! I am not able to properly assess Chamberlain's level, but from the few things we've seen in the latest minutes of the semi-final, she definitely looks like a down-grade to Bardsley. Please, remind me of how exactly Bardsley's injury happened: did she crash into a French player? I don't exactly remember the incident, but, at that moment, I sure hadn't thought it could even be a broken leg!
Why? From a pure German-rivality perspective? Their game-play is quite simple, but they didn't look bad to me. I still prefer Netherlands over them, but I wouldn't be outraged by an English win.
Just reading the main announcement and it was a fibular fracture. I don't recall an actual impact that could have created it. It's one of those injuries that can occur from overuse and it did look from a replay that she felt an injury after a sudden movement when trying to adjust her positioning. Chamberlain did fine in the WC when she replaced Bardsley at the exact same time in the tournament. So at least there is someone with some experience to step in there.
Rating-wise, with Netherlands' homefield advantage (estimated at 100 points), this match is a tossup. England (2024) / Netherlands (1918 + 100) Both teams have also gained about 31 points in the tournament according to my rough calculations.
I think this game will be decided on the 1v1, Lieke Martens vs Lucy Bronze match up as they will coming right down each others'flanks. Martens has now 4 great games, but Bronze has proven she's the best FB in the world with her versatile speed/tenacious defense. Pretty sure that's going to be Sampson & Bronze's game plan; to shut down Martens. For the Dutch, it's really important to get Miedema into this game. Houghton & Bright aren't the fastest CB's around, and as mentioned, Bronze will be busy with Martens.
Unfortunately, the worst injuries often occur when there's no real impact. You can break your leg from just your standard running pace in stride, or when jumping forward and putting any of your weight on it at the wrong angle. Even just jumping straight up. It's possible to break your leg just jumping up for a header. This is one of the most fluke leg injuries to ever occur in a major sporting event. Unfortunately, it's one of the most gruesome ones ever (so warning, if you are queasy). This just goes to show how a broken leg can just happen at anytime during a sporting event.
I'd be really interested to know how much of a tension is building up for this match: any mention of it in media in England and, especially, in Netherlands? And, if yes, what's being said? Any words, lately, from coaches Sarina Wiegman and Mark Sampson or from the players? I'd like some of the local supporters of either teams to update us about that: @Brilliant Dutch, @BarryfromEastenders, @matu, @W.A.S.P., anyone?
How many supporters are expected at the stadium? I really liked a lot the atmosphere surrounding Dutch matches so far!
Not much tension mentioned in the England camp either. It's been brought up a few times regarding the similarities of this game to the Canada WC game. Big home crowd and that it can motivate both teams etc. Steph Houghton has just done an interview mentioning how everyone is looking forward to the game. Sampson does his press conference later tonight. A few articles I have read that may interest others - The tournament from the perspective of the family of an England player (guys in the burger van bit is funny) - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40794047 Article focusing on the Dutch and Martens in particular - https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/02/holland-womens-euro-2017-lieke-martens-england Millie Bright interview - https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/01/england-womens-euro-2017-millie-bright
Stadium is completely sold out. So 30,000 or so, which is a Dutch record for womens football: http://www.ad.nl/dossier-ek-vrouwenvoetbal/nieuw-toeschouwersrecord-voor-oranje-leeuwinnen~a6c9c23a/
Ouch! This was a low blow! Now, how am I expected to carelessly root for Netherlands and to risk breaking Bright's mother's heart? Anyway, thank you very much, @BarryfromEastenders: this was exactly the kind of reading I was looking for! It's a shame I can't access as much easily the sources in Dutch (a language I don't know a single word from), but the Guardian's article about Martens was enough for the moment and was really appreciated.
Referee Stéphanie Frappart (FRA) Assistant referees Manuela Nicolosi (FRA) Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE) Fourth official Bibiana Steinhaus (GER)
France's elimination gave this chance to Frappart... Is Bibi Steinhaus preparing for the umptenth final? Without Germany around, it would be a first time Euro final for her, who have WWC and Olympic finals under her belt...
In fact, normal collision, with no foul whatsoever from Mbock Bathy, who didn't even seem to hit Barsdley's fibula. much more likely that she broke her bone when she landed, more from long-time fatigue than from the impact itself.
http://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/leeuwinnen-hebben-slechte-herinneringen-aan-engeland~adff2878/ http://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/stress-voor-de-halve-finale-integendeel~ad3b628d/ Use google translate fora crude translation.